By Joni Clayton

Happy Banned Books Week! This week from September 23rd to the 29th is an opportunity to celebrate our freedom to read and speak out. In the spirit of freedom of information, here is a list of banned books that have been adapted into films that are also available at the library.

Handmaid’s Tale (Season One)(Margaret Atwood) – DV-Disc PN 1992.77 H36 2018

In a dystopic future where a religion-based autocracy rules the country, women are second class citizens and after attempting to escape, June is sentenced to be a handmaid whose role is to bear children for childless government officials.

Most recent reason for book ban or challenge: “2012 – North Carolina – Parents complained the book was “detrimental to Christian values” and the book was banned for “sexually explicit, violently graphic and morally corrupt” and challenged as required reading for Page High School International Baccaluraeate and optional reading in Advance Placement courses at Grimsley High School.” (source)

Beloved (Toni Morrison) – DV-Disc PN 1997 B388 2008

Sethe was born a slave and escaped to Ohio, but eighteen years later she is still not free. She has too many memories of Sweet Home, the beautiful farm where so many hideous things happened. And Sethe’s new home is haunted by the ghost of her baby, who died nameless and whose tombstone is engraved with a single word: Beloved.

Most recent reason for book ban or challenge: “2016 – Virginia – Came into focus during legislation over whether or not parents should be notified about school materials. Excerpts of the novel were read on the state senate floor depicting the novel as a work of, as Senator Richard Black put it, “moral sewage.”” (source)

Harry Potter (Years 1-6)(J.K. Rowling) – DV-Disc PN 1997.2 H382 2009 no.1-6

Follow Harry from his first days at Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry – through his many adventures with Hermione and Ron – to his confrontations with rival Draco Malfoy and the dreaded Professor Snape.

Most recent reason for book ban or challenge: “2010 – Calgary, Alberta, Canada – Salvation Army post refusing to take donations of Harry Potter items because they “promote black magic and the occult.”” (source)

Bless Me Ultima (Rudolfo Anaya) – DV-Disc PN 1997.2 B54 2013

Antonio Marez is six years old when Ultima enters his life. She is a curandera, one who heals with herbs and magic.  And so Ultima comes to live with Antonio’s family in New Mexico.

Most recent reason for book ban or challenge: “2013 – Driggs, ID, Teton Valley School District – Removed and reinstated after being banned by the superintendent for “profanity and alleged inappropriateness.”” (source)

Perks of Being a Wallflower – Stream / (Stephen Chbosky) – DV-Disc PN 1997.2 P47 2013

Socially awkward teen Charlie (Logan Lerman) is a wallflower, always watching life from the sidelines, until two charismatic students become his mentors.

Most recent reason for book ban or challenge: “2016, Florida – Parents at Pasco Middle School complained about the book’s sexual content after a long-term substitute teacher assigned it without reading; after being reviewed, the book was removed from the middle school but retained at the high schools, according to the superintendent.” (source)

Kite Runner (Khaled Hosseini) – DV-Disc PN 1997.2 K59 2008

It’s a glorious afternoon in Kabul and the skies are bursting with the exhilarating joy of a kite-fighting tournament.  But in the aftermath of the day’s victory, one boy’s fearful act of betrayal will mark their lives forever and set in motion an epic quest for redemption.

Most recent reason for book ban or challenge: “Challenged but retained after a school district board member requested the novel be removed from the Advanced Placement English curriculum at Fishers (IN) High School, after discovering her daughter reading it. The parent objected to its inclusion of same-sex gang rape scene and depiction of distrust in adults. The book was retained in the curriculum, and teachers sent an end-of-the-year letter to parents, offering an alternative assignment if requested.” (source)

The Lovely Bones (Alice Sebold) – DV-Disc PN 1997.2 L68 2010

When 14-year-old Susie Salmon was murdered, she left her unfinished life behind.  Now from her place in a strange but beautiful in-between world, she must help her father catch her killer and protect her family before she can finally move on.

Most recent reason for book ban or challenge: “2008 – Massachusetts – moved to the faculty section of John W. McDevitt Middle School library because the content was too frightening for students.” (source)

Wrinkle in Time (Madeleine L’Engle) – DV-Disc PN 1997.2 W75 2018

After their scientist father disappears during an experiment, Meg, her brother Charles Wallace, and their friend Calvin travel through time and space to find him with the help of three magical beings.

Most recent reason for book ban or challenge: “1996 – North Carolina – Challenged but retained by the Catawba Count School Board in Newton after a parent requested for undermining religious beliefs.” (source)